JET bashes gov't over response to open burning

The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) is criticising the health ministry for how it has dealt with the issue of the open burning of garbage.

The group is raising the issue amid what it says have been numerous complaints from the public about widespread open burning in the days after Hurricane Sandy.

JET says the serious health impacts of open burning are well known and include increased infant mortality, low birth weight of babies, onset of childhood asthma and other respiratory problems, nausea and exposure to known cancer-causing elements.

JET says over the years it has written and telephoned both the National Environment and Planning Agency and the Ministry of Health with regard to open burning.

But it says despite the fact that burning is a clear breach of the Public Health Act Nuisance Regulations, its efforts have been met with little response from the Ministry.

JET is now calling for the immediate intervention of the Minister of Health.